Dec. 9, 2013

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Written by

For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com

Show me somebody who spent a weekend snowshoeing the forests and trails of the Northwoods and Iíll show you somebody sporting an ear-to-ear grin. If I happen to be the adventurer with the grin on my face, Iíll also show you a darn fine impression of someone who just rode a horse ... for three days straight. That first snowshoeing excursion might be hard on the quads, but boy is it worth it. Thereís nothing quite like the soft crunch, crunch of snowshoes propelling oneís self across depths of new fallen snow.

Snowshoeing is an excellent method of reconnecting with nature. The sport offers up a route away from the beaten path, a winding road off into the Northwoodís hidden splendor. While winter boots and nature trails have their place, snowshoes bring about more options. Think of them as four-wheel drive capability for your feet. While traveling Wisconsinís Rustic Roads in a nifty little two-seater can be enjoyable, exploring the forest service roads of the Nicolet in a trusty pickup is sometimes the way to go. That, in a nutshell, is snowshoeing.

Of course, there is another side to snowshoeing. Some folks figure, why walk when they can run? Snowshoe racing has become very popular over the years and is always a big draw during the Badger State Winter Games.

For me personally, Iíd rather take my time. Thatís a decision brought about by careful thought, logical reasoning ... and a severe lack of coordination at times. I deeply respect the folks who can run in snowshoes. Iím not one of those folks. As falling face first into a snowdrift doesnít require any particular equipment, Iíd be just as successful if you strapped a couple of garbage can lids to my feet and sent me running off into the woods. In fact, that would be a better option, lest I ruin a pair of snowshoes.

Whether you walk or run, look into getting yourself some snowshoes this winter. I promise youíll enjoy the scenery. Of course, as I write this, there is not a stitch of snow on the ground outside the windows of my office, but I feel safe going out on a limb and saying Ė that will change. I know, some limb right?

The Northwoods being what they are, and Mother Nature being what she is, chances are the fluffy white stuff will be here before we know it. Donít wait too long though. If your snowshoes arenít ready to go when that first big snowstorm hits you might find yourself embroiled in some other, more objectionable task. Always remember ó he who is without snowshoes can be caught and handed a shovel.

Doug Berdan is a columnist and outdoor humorist who also writes under the pseudonym Remington J. Crockett.